Cruise Sites

While cruises polarize travellers to some extent, the market for those who love touring the open waters in the lap of luxury is unprecendented. Since there's more oceanic and coastal areas to explore than anything else on earth, it's natural that knowing where to start in is a minefield. Tripbase has selected our pick of the best cruise blogs and information sites on the net, most of which are written by cruise staff and give behind-the-scenes insight into the industry.

• Holland America Blog

  www.hollandamericablog.com

  With the ability to read the informal captain's log (rather, blog) for all fifteen cruise liners under the Holland America line, this is the best way of getting a look at how cruise teams operate. While the staff contributing to each blog are clearly proud of their ships, they're all free accounts of their time at sea without having to dilute posts with corporate overtone.

• The Cruise Diva Blog

  www.cruisediva.blogspot.com/

  The already award-winning writer Linda Coffman, otherwise known as the "Cruise Diva", uses her extensive cruise experience to share news and commentary via her editorial blog.

• ShipCritic Blog

  www.shipcriticblog.com

  It's not all peachey in the cruise industry - the ShipCritic blog keeps tabs on the unsavoy news and reviews for the benefit of cruise enthusiasts around the globe.

• Iglu Cruise

  www.iglucruise.com

  Iglu are the master deal-finders for cruises anywhere in the world. Great prices aside, the amount of cruise information available on Iglu is nothing short of impressive.

• Luxury Cruise Bible

  www.luxurycruisebible.blogspot.com/

  The Luxury Cruise Bible gives an low-down on all things from the world of luxury travel. If it's by boat and it features a lengthy exploration, chances are it'll feature here.

• Sailing Cruise

  www.sailing-cruise.net/

  A biblical source of knowledge for sailors who conduct cruises and tours, neatly laid out and categorized.

• CruiseMates

  www.cruisemates.com

  Cruise Mates is a more technical blog designed with sailors in mind, delivering useful information written by professionals all over the world.

• Women and Cruising

  www.womenandcruising.com/

  Three female cruisers (and close friends) have set up this unique community website for women to share their views and news. Neatly laid out and packed with helpful information.

• Choosing Cruising Blog

  www.choosingcruising.co.uk

  An incredibly comprehensive news site bringing you the latest from thje cruising world, both good and bad. A great first stop for anyone planning a cruise journey.

• Cruising Life

  www.cruisingworld.com/cruising_life.jsp

  An online magazine brimming with well-written features, how-tos and media. Cruise enthusiasts are heartely recommended to check out the vast range of content on Cruising World.